Fiberglassing tools

boatnluvr · #1 03-30-2007, 11:43 AM

I am looking for recommendations on basic powertools required for fiberglass repair. I realize I need some type of dual action sander, but I do not have my own pneumatic compressor (but I can borrow when necessary). Can I get away with a corder Ranom Orbit sander to do both heavy work and faring? I have a porter cable buffer (model???) and I generally use that for waxing. I will be fixing some gouges, removing gelcoat on bow (like hammer did) and then perhaps compounding and waxing the hull. So, any thoughts on the best tools for the job? I saw a Porter cable 97355 that may do it.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/port...7355/?ref=base

boatnluvr · #2 03-30-2007, 11:43 AM

I am looking for recommendations on basic powertools required for fiberglass repair. I realize I need some type of dual action sander, but I do not have my own pneumatic compressor (but I can borrow when necessary). Can I get away with a corder Ranom Orbit sander to do both heavy work and faring? I have a porter cable buffer (model???) and I generally use that for waxing. I will be fixing some gouges, removing gelcoat on bow (like hammer did) and then perhaps compounding and waxing the hull. So, any thoughts on the best tools for the job? I saw a Porter cable 97355 that may do it.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/port...7355/?ref=base

boatnluvr · #3 03-30-2007, 11:43 AM

I am looking for recommendations on basic powertools required for fiberglass repair. I realize I need some type of dual action sander, but I do not have my own pneumatic compressor (but I can borrow when necessary). Can I get away with a corder Ranom Orbit sander to do both heavy work and faring? I have a porter cable buffer (model???) and I generally use that for waxing. I will be fixing some gouges, removing gelcoat on bow (like hammer did) and then perhaps compounding and waxing the hull. So, any thoughts on the best tools for the job? I saw a Porter cable 97355 that may do it.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/port...7355/?ref=base

Stillrunning · #4 03-30-2007, 11:55 AM

I would not go with an air sander they take need a big compressor to run one as they use allot of air. Porta Cable makes a very nice palm sander which shold work grat of fixing gouges which usually do not require heavy sanding. They have two models one you can adjust the speed or the one I linked here which you cannot adjust the speed but will work just fine (this is the type I have.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/portercable/343K/ You can pick one up at Lowes for the same price as the toolbarn.

Stillrunning · #5 03-30-2007, 11:55 AM

I would not go with an air sander they take need a big compressor to run one as they use allot of air. Porta Cable makes a very nice palm sander which shold work grat of fixing gouges which usually do not require heavy sanding. They have two models one you can adjust the speed or the one I linked here which you cannot adjust the speed but will work just fine (this is the type I have.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/portercable/343K/ You can pick one up at Lowes for the same price as the toolbarn.

Stillrunning · #6 03-30-2007, 11:55 AM

I would not go with an air sander they take need a big compressor to run one as they use allot of air. Porta Cable makes a very nice palm sander which shold work grat of fixing gouges which usually do not require heavy sanding. They have two models one you can adjust the speed or the one I linked here which you cannot adjust the speed but will work just fine (this is the type I have.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/portercable/343K/ You can pick one up at Lowes for the same price as the toolbarn.

boatnluvr · #7 03-30-2007, 12:05 PM

I understood that random speed is required to avoid swirl marks in the gelcoat. I assume if you had no issue that you must have been very careful to keep moving.

Stillrunning · #8 03-30-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatnluvr

I understood that random speed is required to avoid swirl marks in the gelcoat. *I assume if you had no issue that you must have been very careful to keep moving.

I was thinking more along the lines of the fiberglass repair. I was not thinking about the gelcoat type repair and I'm not much help there. Porta Cable does make that palm sander with ajustable speed which runs aroun $79.00.

Stinky_Hooker · #9 03-30-2007, 01:27 PM

I rarely use air powered stuff. I have 3 Dewalt palm sanders that I use exclusively except for smoothing the really uneven stuff. Ill use a belt sander to flatten that off before I go palm sometimes.

spareparts · #10 03-30-2007, 02:23 PM

i use the Porter Cable 6" da ( the one that looks like a grinder) on everything, I have put this thing through hell and back and it keeps going (probably will break the next time I use it), i just usedit with 40 grit to sand all the old gel off the glastron, used it with 1500 grit to finish out some gel before I buffed it, it works great. I've even used it to prep gasket surfaces. I highly recomend it